Farmers Market Association responds to DWFD decision on lease

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - UPDATE: Jul. 22, 2022 at 10:58 a.m.

The president of the Farmers Market Association has released a statement on Downtown Wichita Falls Development’s announcement to not renew the association’s lease.

“To the citizens of Wichita Falls, The Farmers Market Association Members, the Downtown Businesses and the customers of the market, the Board of Directors of the Farmers Market Association are truly disappointed in the Press Release by Downtown Development this morning,” Scott Poenitzsch, Farmers Market Association president, said. “We received no prior notification of this publication before seeing it here. In fact, we have a meeting tentatively scheduled this upcoming Tuesday at 6:00 PM to continue the talks towards a common resolution. It would appear that Downtown Wichita Falls Development has chosen a path without any further wishes to amicably resolve the relationships.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Jul. 22, 2022 at 10:09 a.m.

Downtown Wichita Falls Development (DWFD) announced Friday it would not renew the lease with the Farmer’s Market Association.

READ: Wichita Falls Farmers Market in standstill over new lease with city

The announcement comes after the Farmers Market Association expressed frustration with what they said was a 74% increase in fees paid by the Association. While the prospect of raising booth prices for vendors was floated, this was prohibited by an ordinance approved by City Council.

News Channel 6 will have more on this story in Friday’s evening newscasts.

Read the full statement from Downtown Wichita Falls Development below:

“Downtown Wichita Falls Development is taking a step forward with the future of the Wichita Falls Farmers Market at 713 Ohio Ave. in Downtown Wichita Falls. DWFD wants to ensure the success and longevity of the Market as an anchor in Downtown Wichita Falls.
In an effort to keep an active and successful farmers market in downtown, Downtown Wichita Falls Development has made the decision to not renew the lease with the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Association. The Wichita Falls Farmers Market Association has stated that they would be unable to make the proposed offers viable for them without having to raise booth prices. In an effort to provide security to the local farmers and vendors DWFD will absorb all expenses set forth in the contract DWFD holds with the City of Wichita Falls. DWFD is also committing to the hiring of a market manager and will resume responsibility of marketing, effective Saturday, August 20, 2022.
While it is unfortunate that we could not come to agreement with the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Association, DWFD would like the public to know that we are committed to the farmers and local businesses that see the impact that the Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market creates. DWFD absolutely understands and respects the power of like minded individuals coming together for a cause. This change only means that the Farmers Market Association will no longer be responsible for the financial burden of the Farmer’s Market, including marketing and hiring of a market manager. However, no vendor will be required to join the association in order to do business at the market, and association membership status will have no impact on rental fees or space allocation at the market.
Downtown Wichita Falls Development invites the farmers and vendors that have participated at the Market to stay. Stall fees are set by the City of Wichita Falls per the contract with Downtown Wichita Falls Development as $20 a stall per market day for farmers (producers) and $25 a stall per market day for non-producers. There will not be any membership fees due to vendors that participate in the market.
Downtown Wichita Falls Development is responsible for utilities, supplies, maintenance and upkeep and will also pay 50% of stall fees collected and rentals (after allowable expenses) to the City of Wichita Falls to build a fund for major repairs and capital improvements to the facility as per our contract with the City.
We recognize that the Market is a staple to our community, an incubator for small businesses, and an important access point to our local farmers. The goal is to make it more hospitable to our local farmers and specialty vendors.”
Statement from Downtown Wichita Falls Development